Assessing the Levels and Types of Bacterial Contamination in Cosmetic Brushes: Implications for Beauty and Hygiene in Jeddah City.

Abstract

Cosmetic tools, such as brushes and sponges, are integral to beauty routines but are often neglected in terms of hygiene, posing risks of bacterial contamination and related skin issues. This study investigates bacterial contamination in 57 cosmetic brushes collected from users in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bacterial isolates were characterized morphologically and identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results revealed a diverse microbial profile, with Gram-positive bacteria predominating (81%), including Staphylococcus and Micrococcus species, alongside Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp. A survey of 370 participants highlighted inconsistent cleaning habits, with 44.3% rarely cleaning their brushes and 27.8% reporting skin problems potentially linked to contaminated tools. A statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between awareness of hygiene practices and concerns about bacterial infections (p < 0.05), yet no direct association was found between cleaning frequency and skin issues (p = 0.698). This study emphasizes the need for public education on the proper maintenance of cosmetic tools to minimize health risks and promote safer beauty practices.